Medieval Monasticism and Reform

I. The Impact of St. Benedict and his Rule (A. D. 529)

A. Benedict=s Life and the Founding of Monte Casino


B. The Rule: Its Nature and Provisions


C. Cassiodorus and the Preservation of Learning

makes the monastery an academy of learning, and a center for the copy of documents.

D. Lioba of Bischofsheim (ca. 710-782); Hrotsvit of Gandersheim (d. 973)

II. The Revival of Monasticism and Reform


A. Conditions Leading to the need for Reform

B. The Reformed Orders

1. Cluny and Duke William the Pious (A. D. 910)

2. The Carthusian Order and St. Bruno (A. D. 1084)

3. The Cistercians and St. Robert (A. D. 1098)

a. Lay Brothers (Conversi) and the Land

b. Bernard of Clairvaux

4. Premonstratensians and St. Norbert (A. D. 1120)

5. Women Religious and the Convents: Heloise (1101-1164) and the Paraclete

III. The New Mendicant Orders

A. St. Francis and the Franciscans (Fratres Minores) A. D. 1209


B. St. Clare and the Poor Clares (A. D. 1212)


C. St. Dominic and the Dominicans (Friars Preachers) A. D. 1220